Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master

History of the Rolex Yacht-Master

The Rolex Yacht-Master was introduced in 1992. This sport-style watch is an ideal watch for sea
aficionados, as the name suggests. When it was first introduced, the Rolex Yacht-Master was only
offered in an 18k gold variety. Today, many different styles and materials are available when you
purchase the Rolex Yacht-Master watch.

The First Rolex Yacht-Master

The first Rolex Yacht-Master was launched in 1992 and was the Reference 16628. This watch featured
an 18k yellow gold material, 40mm case, and white dial. The in-house calibre 3135 powered this beauty,
which had also been used in prior Rolex Submariner and Rolex Sea-Dweller models.

The Rolex Yacht-Master Watches That Followed

The next two Rolex Yacht-Master watches were created in 1994, the Reference 68628 and Reference
69628. The Reference 68628 is a mid-size watch with 35mm case diameter and a calibre 2135
movement. The other watch released in 1994, the Reference 69628, is a ladies version Rolex Yacht-
Master with a 29mm case and calibre 2135 movement. Both watches were only available in the 18k
yellow gold material at that time.

In 1996, the material options expanded slightly, with the yellow gold and stainless steel two-tone option
being offered with these two prior models. This new material offering, known as the Rolesor model,
gave Rolex Yacht-Master aficionados a different material option to choose from with their watch purchase.
The two-tone options were taken even a step further with the 1999 release of the Rolesium
watch material at Basel. This watch offering featured the introduction of stainless steel and platinum
together.

Changes to the Rolex Yacht-Master

One of the big changes to the Rolex Yacht-Master came in 2005 when the two-tone Rolesor option
became available with the full-size Yacht-Master. This new model was given the Reference 16623 name.

Another update made to the Rolex Yacht-Master collection was the introduction of new dial colors.
Around the time Reference 16623 was released, watch wearers could choose from various dial colors
including blue, white, champagne, silver, brown, and even a special mother-of-pearl dial.

In 2012, the Rolesium version of the Yacht-Master, Reference 116622, was released with a unique blue
sunray dial. During that time, Rolex also introduced the supercase aspect where the Yacht-Master case
took on a slightly different appearance and was built with thicker lugs.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II

A new collection arose from the original Rolex Yacht-Master offerings and was called Rolex Yacht-Master
II. This collection was released in 2010 and featured a 10-minute countdown timer with mechanical
memory and integrated bezel function. The Rolex Yacht-Master II case is larger than the Rolex Yacht-
Master, consisting of a generously sized 44m case. The new Yacht-Master II was built with a calibre 4161
movement and 72-hour power reserve.

The first two Rolex Yacht-Master II models included the Reference 116688 in 18k yellow gold and
Reference 116689 in 18k white gold. In 2011, Reference 116681 was released which featured a two-
tone rose gold and stainless steel combination material.

Ready to add a Rolex Yacht-Master watch to your collection? Visit TheWristWatcherInc.com and see
what Yacht-Master or Yacht-Master II watch catches your eye!